Civil Rights
Session 2: Martin Luther King's Philosophy of Nonviolent Action

Materials

• Internet access

Instructional Activities

1. Ask students what they know about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his philosophy of nonviolence. Provide students with a short biography on Dr. King.
   
   
2. Use the lesson plan “Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Power of Nonviolence” at <http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=326> to provide students with a selection of King’s writings on nonviolent action. This lesson also provides links to a set of photographs that can be used in the session. Have the students read and note the writings and view the photographs. Point out Dr. King’s admiration for and use of the teachings of the great mahatma (“great soul”) Mohandas K. Gandhi.
   
   
3. Hold a class discussion on Dr. King’s philosophy, using the set of discussion questions included with the lesson:
   
   •    How does King characterize the choice between violence and nonviolence in the struggle for freedom? What does he predict violence will lead to? What does he promise nonviolence will lead to? Looking back, was he a reliable forecaster?
   •    How does nonviolence work? What are the stages of the process, as King describes it? What role does “tension” play in this process? To what extent is violence part of the process? How does public awareness contribute to making nonviolence a success? Would it work in a society without freedom of speech and freedom of the press?
   •    What kind of person takes part in nonviolent action, according to Dr. King? To what extent are nonviolent protestors fighters? To what extent are they peacemakers? What part do politics and religion play in their thinking? What part do hatred and love play in their decision to act? Can you see yourself joining in a nonviolent protest? Why or why not?